Current Events > Kitten litter and table advice needed

(+) Yeah! (+)

Hello again CE - I come to you once again for collective advice, this time on tiny felines. Just a week ago I got these two three month old kittens from a lady off Nextdoor. Generally they seem healthy and full of life (sometimes a little too full), though I have a couple of thoughts/concerns
A) They generally use the litter box I set up for them, but sometimes will poop in a corner across from the box. From what I've read, this could be due to a number of things - I'm wondering whether to set up a second box in the corner (though I'd like to get used to just using the one I've set up). I also read that sometimes cleanliness of the box or type of litter might make them not use it... I scoop twice a day (morning before work and when I get home) but haven't cleaned the whole litter box yet. Do most people clean the litter box completely weekly?
B) I also read that any habits you want to encourage/discourage should start early.. they are still using their claws a bit when playing with my hands and feet. So far I've been doing the exaggerated "oww" to show it's not pleasant... should I leave the room completely? On the same note, I'm trying to keep them from getting on the coffee table in the picture... beyond moving them off when they climb on, should I use a squeegee bottle (read a gentle spray of water to discourage a behavior right afterwards)?
C) When is the best time to get them used to stomach pets? Or to a leash for going outside? Any other general tips? I've gotten some of the cat nip mice, strings on a stick, and a laser pointer, they all seem to work to entertain them to some extent

Tagging those I remember having a cat, which I'm sure isn't everyone
@apolloooo
@Aeriis
@Daffadilio
@TheGoldenEel
@Hexenherz z
@dolomedes
@mattymad
@SquirtleSkwad
@Cleo_II
@PrettyBoyFloyd

As always, thanks for all the advice/feedback!

https://imgur.com/WJrpi5b

Good rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat, can't really give any input on the training questions

---

It's kind of weird they use the litter box sometimes but not always; is there anything in that corner that's attracting them like potted plants or something? How big is the litter box? One box for two kittens should be fine especially if you're clearing it twice a day. But if the litter box isn't too big then maybe you need a bigger one. Could also be the type of litter they're using - different litters feel different. Like, the lightweight version of Tidy Cats litters is bigger and coarser, the heavier version is denser and feels more like a soft clay. And there's pine stuff (probably better for kittens anyway since it won't clump in their fur and they won't eat it).

As far as cleaning out 100%, once a week seems a little much but idk. We usually do it like once a month.

---

Sorry I posted too early.

B) I also read that any habits you want to encourage/discourage should start early.. they are still using their claws a bit when playing with my hands and feet. So far I've been doing the exaggerated "oww" to show it's not pleasant... should I leave the room completely? On the same note, I'm trying to keep them from getting on the coffee table in the picture... beyond moving them off when they climb on, should I use a squeegee bottle (read a gentle spray of water to discourage a behavior right afterwards)?

I have a couple dog toys like a little plushie pizza and a little plushie pumpkin; when our kitten starts grabbing and scratching my leg I just reach for one of those as a substitute and get her to play with that instead.

Coffee table's gonna be harder, since cats naturally want to climb and perch and stand on things like that. You can get a few scratching posts for them to use but they're still going to want to go up there. Here's a guide on how to keep cats off of counters, could explore similar options for the table - https://www.thesprucepets.com/stop-counter-surfing-551798

C) When is the best time to get them used to stomach pets? Or to a leash for going outside? Any other general tips? I've gotten some of the cat nip mice, strings on a stick, and a laser pointer, they all seem to work to entertain them to some extent

If you mean rubbing their belly, I never force them to do that lol they either like it or they don't. Good idea to get them used to a harness and leash earlier rather than later but you definitely want to make sure they've got all their vaccines, and you'll also need to invest in anti-heart worm medicine.

---

Could be a number of reasons your cat won't use the litter box. You need one box per cat generally, so the first thing I would try is a second litter box.

You need to change them pretty regularly as well even with clumping litter. I would say once the litter starts getting low it's time to change it, don't just pour more litter in. You can make changing these out easier on yourself if you use cat litter pan liners if you're using a typical litter box. If the kittens tend to claw at the bags then its probably a good idea to double up on the liners. A regular drawstring liner first followed by an elastic non-slip liner over it that will help keep the kittens from pulling the bag off the box. Wipe down the box every time you're changing it as well.

Just make sure you're putting in enough litter as well in case one of the cats is a digger. Also make sure they have plenty of room to get in and out of the box and clean around it regularly. Consider a litter mat to catch loose litter. Litter on the floor may be hurting their paws while they're on the way to the box, which could make them turn around and use the corner instead.

A good cat litter to try if adding a second box doesn't work is Dr. Elsey's kitten attract litter if it's available where you live. I like this brand in general since there's basically no dust. The litter itself tends to be fine and soft, which may work better for your kittens.

---

I just know you don't keep it near their feeding area.

Like you can't put food out next to the litter box.

Don't know how multi cats act sharing a box.

Mine always ran wild and outside.


---

Thanks for the input! I agree about the number of litter boxes - the lady I got them from said one should be enough, but I can try adding a second. The corner they sometimes use is completely bare, but it's across from the corner where the litter box is currently placed. I'm currently using Purina Tidy Cats clay non clumping, as I heard non clumping was better for kittens... I have a few mats under the current litter mat, should probably clean them as they have a bit of dry litter on them. @crazygamer21 do you find liners useful? For some reason what I'd read seemed to say they were more trouble than worth as they'd rip and you'd still end up with litter on the bottom of the box.

On the topic of tables, I'm going to put together a cat tree this weekend... I've also read you could put double sided tape on a surface or crinkly wrap to create a surface they don't like, anybody have experience with this?

Ruvan22 posted...

On the topic of tables, I'm going to put together a cat tree this weekend... I've also read you could put double sided tape on a surface or crinkly wrap to create a surface they don't like, anybody have experience with this?

Aluminum foil works well for keeping them off.

---

Ruvan22 posted...

@crazygamer21 do you find liners useful? For some reason what I'd read seemed to say they were more trouble than worth as they'd rip and you'd still end up with litter on the bottom of the box.

I've been using them for years and would recommend the ones specifically made for litter boxes. It makes changing the litter quicker and simpler than using a trash bag, but they are going to be more expensive overall. Litter box liners are a bit thicker than trash bags so ripping isn't going to be as much of an issue, but if it is just double bag it to avoid that problem. Just make sure you have some kind of liner in there and aren't pouring the litter directly into the box.

I see you're using a non clumping litter, but you said you're scooping it still? That could be a problem since scooping out non clumping litter is going to break up their waste into little bits that are going to fall back into the box and mix with the clean litter making the whole box dirty and smelly, which might be off putting to your cats. They won't want to touch old waste, and might be what's causing them to go in the corner.

Your kittens are about old enough now for clumping litter. It's not suggested for kittens 0-3 months old or so since they may attempt to eat it if it gets stuck on their fur. You can wait another month to make the switch to clumping litter for an easier time with litter box maintenance. Until then, I would suggest changing out the non clumping litter pretty frequently. Put in enough so they can dig and bury, but plan on changing that kind of litter much more frequently, like once a week at least but depends on how much they're going. A second box will help a lot with this and I think that plus keeping things clean and tidy for them will solve your litter troubles.

---

Play with their paws a lot, get them used to you interacting with their paws and fingers, this is going to help tremendously down the line when you will need to trim their nails.

Also I have two cats, and 3 litter boxes. I've always learned one per cat plus one, I have never had an issue with out of box accidents. I would definitely add a 2nd box at least if this is happening.

---

Sorry i just woke up. Rivel has never got trouble with litter boxes, but silver has been peeing in the corner. 50-50 at the time.

It's so weird. She always poop in the box, but with pee sometimes she pees in there, sometimes outside in the corner. I have no idea why.

My only guess if not medical problem (which i will take her to the vet next week, doesn't seem urgent enough) or just general kitten thing, like they are still learning or something

---

mattymad posted...

Sup, dude.

I'll give my input and personal experience.

Cats and litter: Cats are generally pretty good at being litter trained, as by nature they want to hide their waste AND older cats will usually teach younger cats how to do it. Kittens once trained are still messy and have accidents - though pooping in a corner is a sign it is deliberate. Reasons a cat may deliberately go outside of the litter could be: the litter was too dirty, the litter was occupied, the litter was unreachable, the corner they went in was dirty enough for them to think it was a litter area and lastly stress.

They may just be learning/getting used to their environment. I wouldn't be tooo worried yet but the general advice is one litter try per cat plus one extra. You can downsize this when they're older and more in a routine, or just get a really large tray and dump a whole 10kg of litter in it (what I do for my maine coons).

Teaching them where they can't go: generally, spray bottles do not work. They just instil fear of water, spraying noises and bottles in to them more than they do stop the negative behaviour. Cats aren't like dogs. It's difficult to attach the negative enforcement with the fact they were on the table, water spray can often teach a cat to do bad things just when you're not around, they're crafty like that. Deterring a cat works better, i.e. giving them spaces they can climb and luring them away with toys and tricks.

If you find that isn't working and some people may disagree with this... A simple flick/boop on the nose is better than a water spray. Yes, it's sad you have to resort to something physical - but it doesn't have to be hard. If you accompany it with some kind of keyword for bad (mine is just "OI!"), you can eventually just shout "OI" and they understand what you mean.

Stomach pets: Most cats hate it. Simple as. You know the 'death kick' or 'rabbit kick' cats do (where they grab something then go nuts with their hind legs)? This is because instinct is trying to disembowel their prey. Cats understand that their bellys are soft, unprotected and vital to their survival. The best thing to do is just wait until they present their belly to you and be gentle at first. If they never present the belly, there is no way to force it sadly.

My cats both loved belly rubs from when I got them, so I can really go rough on them similar to a dog and they love it - but others, that'd be a death sentence. Cats have very unique personalities that are hard to change. You just need to learn what kinda personality your cat has.

Leashes and stuff are best started early. Cats are best trained when hungry so you can skip a meal time to then work on training. Things like just getting them used to the leash (playing with it, touching it, etc) should be rewarded with food and then you can slowly work up to getting them used to wearing it.

Thanks for this break down - I think the current litter box is about 12 inches by 15 inches but I've seen both sit in it at once. I'm not opposed to a second litter box, just dreading the thought of weekly cleaning of two boxes. Those are some really good tips for training, I'm really trying to discourage them from jumping on the table when I'm on the laptop.

crazygamer21 posted...

I've been using them for years and would recommend the ones specifically made for litter boxes. It makes changing the litter quicker and simpler than using a trash bag, but they are going to be more expensive overall. Litter box liners are a bit thicker than trash bags so ripping isn't going to be as much of an issue, but if it is just double bag it to avoid that problem. Just make sure you have some kind of liner in there and aren't pouring the litter directly into the box.

I see you're using a non clumping litter, but you said you're scooping it still? That could be a problem since scooping out non clumping litter is going to break up their waste into little bits that are going to fall back into the box and mix with the clean litter making the whole box dirty and smelly, which might be off putting to your cats. They won't want to touch old waste, and might be what's causing them to go in the corner.

Your kittens are about old enough now for clumping litter. It's not suggested for kittens 0-3 months old or so since they may attempt to eat it if it gets stuck on their fur. You can wait another month to make the switch to clumping litter for an easier time with litter box maintenance. Until then, I would suggest changing out the non clumping litter pretty frequently. Put in enough so they can dig and bury, but plan on changing that kind of litter much more frequently, like once a week at least but depends on how much they're going. A second box will help a lot with this and I think that plus keeping things clean and tidy for them will solve your litter troubles.

That's a really good point about non clumping litter... I can see that some of the litter falls back into box. If I'm changing litter once a week, do I just dump the litter in a trash bag (don't have liners yet)? That isn't too bad, especially if I don't have to scrub the litter box too much.

Hey, short on time so didnt get a chance to read entire topic so sorry if Im repeating what others said. Rule of thumb is a litter box per cat plus one. So three for two cats. I can, however, promise you most people get by fine without doing this. Before buying a second litter box entirely, have you tried just moving your current one to where they occasionally go? Sometimes they decide to own your house and maybe they just like that location better! Also cats have extremely sensitive noses, and if they have gone (esp peed) there prior, they will most likely continue going there if they can smell it at all. This really requires extreme cleaning and multiple products to pull them out of that habit, unfortunately :/ something with enzymes and then a separate hard cleaner, or vinegar.
As far as rubbing their bellies and such, I know most people will say dont force them into things but I say YOU GOTTA. Touch the pawpaws, noses, tails. You are bigger than them. Dont be mean about it but be consistent. That is your cat and if you want them to be alright with something they can usually be trained into it, esp that young. My cats allow just about anything, whether its actually liking it or just dealing with it, they dont aggress if I dont. My rabbit that broke her leg less than six months ago now allows me to pet that leg. You have to build trust. Be nice but firm about it, you can sense their attitudes about it and its your call if you wanna back off and let it go, but I say at least try.
About them scratching when playing, like you do the exaggerated ows is a great method, also redirect it onto a scratching post. A cat tree will help with the coffee table, do the same thing- redirect them into that instead. Also I like to associate a sound when you redirect cuz they are being bad- a lot of people do the tchh noise, I snap with my fingers. So then eventually you can train them to stop the action when you make the noise. But also realize most cats will do the bad things regardless, its just if they will be respectful when you are around gotta count that as a win

---

Oh as far as litter if the location change doesnt work- we have one cat this is just INTOLERANT of a dirty litter box. Like Ive never had this issue but he will shit on the floor right next to it if it isnt up to snuff. I have a litter robot now so I only have to change the full litter maybe once a month but when I had a normal box Id usually put less in and toss the whole thing once a week, scooping daily. Some cats need the litter to be deep tho. The more litter, the less smelly, and important if the cats are diggers/coverers. I know its not a straight forward answer but I would say with two cats in one box, expect to dump it 100% once a week, if you can get away with it longer, be excited. I agree that the non clumping litter may make it feel dirtier to your babies rn and that could be contributing. So I guess my advice: switch to clumping litter, if they still go in the other spot after youve cleaned it meticulously a million times, move box there, then if they pick a different spot to go, get a second box.

---

@MegaTech
get a cat

---

Daffadilio posted...

@MegaTech
get a cat

But then i have to keep it hidden from the employees here and all that jazz. RIP me for living in a petless complex. Sometime in the future i promise.

Also hi Ruvan : )

---

MegaTech posted...

But then i have to keep it hidden from the employees here and all that jazz. RIP me for living in a petless complex. Sometime in the future i promise.

Also hi Ruvan : )

Hi @MegaTech - I still remember the waitress at that restaurant with "I'm only eighteen" :P

Thanks @Daffadilio @mattymad @apolloooo @MabusIncarnate @Hexenherz and @crazygamer21 for all the helpful advice!

I made the litter (still non clumping) deeper (almost three inches) and we haven't had any more pooping outside the box over the last three days - I'm hoping that this keeps up till I finish the 20 lbs bag of kitty litter (half empty!) and I'll get clumping going forward.
I've had less success with the biting - both of them really like to go after my feet, I've been doing the louder/exaggerated yell but haven't noticed a significant change in their attacks. I will sometimes use a toy (the stick on a string or the laser pen) but worry I'm teaching them to bite my feet when they want a toy!
I put together a cat tree Sunday and used treats to get them to climb into it.. they did but didn't seem too keen on using it otherwise, maybe it's a matter of time? They still like to climb on the coffee table which may be due more to them trying to see what I'm doing or chasing each other.. they really like to jump on the other one from the table edge, a "Death from above" thing I guess.
This brings me to the latest concern.. they spend the majority of their time (I'd say 80% or more) aggressively hunting each other.. I'm talking about repeated tackles that end up with one squeaking loudly. Each seem to instigate the same amount but I'm worried that A) they might hurt one another (I see them trying to bite) and B) that they are becoming trained to be aggressive. Anybody have experience with three month old kittens? I got them together so they'd have someone to play with when I'm at work...

I'm glad you're finding success, especially with the litter box. That can be an easy or tricky thing to sort out.

Honestly with the coffee table you might have to cut your losses there or get a replacement. It can be tricky to keep cats away from low hanging fruit like that, especially if it's in a space that they like to play in or travel through because they want to try different routes out. If it's a matter of preserving the table and things like foil don't keep them off, might need to move it somewhere else altogether :\

Strings and laser pointers are fine but I still think having some other, larger toys they can engage with themselves and feel and kick and bite will help out a lot. Laser points are good for distracting and getting them to run around but ultimately they are going to want a real thing. They will really love it. I got a brown mouse plushie for like 5 bucks at Petco and Mulder had that from day 1 and he carried it around with him everywhere. We lost it a couple years ago during some house renovation work but I was able to find more of them and he loves these ones almost as much lol. I guess your fear that they feel they are getting play time in reward for biting your feet isn't unfounded but in my somewhat limited experience with a handful of cats, they see it more as "I'm supposed to play with this, not that". I know all cats are different though so maybe they will see it your way >_> It's a risk worth taking imo.

As far as hunting goes that shouldn't be *too* big of a concern for littler cats, unless fur is flying or someone is yowling and the other one isn't stopping. And they are neutered right?

They look so cute in that picture, I am glad you got them!! Keep up the good work!

---

Ruvan22 posted...

I put together a cat tree Sunday and used treats to get them to climb into it.. they did but didn't seem too keen on using it otherwise, maybe it's a matter of time? They still like to climb on the coffee table which may be due more to them trying to see what I'm doing or chasing each other.. they really like to jump on the other one from the table edge, a "Death from above" thing I guess.

this is normal. rivel won't use her cat tree until 2 months it's been sitting in the house.

1st reason could be the smell. you know that "new thing" smell? it just might be unpleasant for cats. just keep playing with them on it, you might try to rub your hands on the scratcher or carpet too so it have your smell. eventually the factory smell will be replaced by your house's and family smell and it might entice the kittens to play on it.

2 is location. where do you put it? i find cat tree is most optimal behind a window where they can peek outside, but also overlook their "main" room, the room they hang out the most where they can watch family activities.

Ruvan22 posted...

ey spend the majority of their time (I'd say 80% or more) aggressively hunting each other.. I'm talking about repeated tackles that end up with one squeaking loudly. Each seem to instigate the same amount but I'm worried that A) they might hurt one another (I see them trying to bite) and B) that they are becoming trained to be aggressive. Anybody have experience with three month old kittens? I got them together so they'd have someone to play with when I'm at work...

i admit i am less experienced towards this, but as far as i know, as long as furs aren't flying it should be fine. kittens usually learn the boundaries with their moms, if they get too rough, mom will hiss at them, but i think they can learn from littermates too,
https://www.wikihow.pet/Know-if-Cats-Are-Playing-or-Fighting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ftKVvcXY2o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_GQKtA13-w


---

mattymad posted...

Litter buddies play fight all the time. It's a learning experience for them. Yells are normal as it's basically them figuring out the limits between play and painful. They should be respectful of each other and be gentler if one yells. Sometimes one just doesn't want to play and the other does, causing the former to over react when 'attacked', so don't always think it's aggressive.

Play fighting is healthy and helps them develop required cat skills, from how to use their bodies to how to read body language.

I've had my cats over 3 years now and they still play fight. Watch the body language, if one is rigid and shrinking their size whilst trying to back away, they're not enjoying it. If an agressor goes wide eyed and ears pin back, they're also in hunting mode not play mode. As long as they're not cutting each other and ripping fur out, it's just play. Oh hissing/growling/howling are all bad signs too, as they're territorial cat noises. Last thing you want is cats who live together getting territorial.

The usual oi and gentle nose flick when they push it too far can help. Now I just have to stand up when one of my cats is getting aggressive, as they know I'm coming to yell at them lol.

They will bite, claw rabbit kick each other, wrestle, flip over and run/hide/chase when playing. Their claws should be retracted and the bites never deep when playing but I understand why it may look bad .

Good shout on deeper litter btw. They like to dig and cover their waste. Hiding the smell is their top priority.

Cat trees are hit and miss. Some cats love them. Others just sleep on them, and some just ignore them sadly. Cats like to climb though so hopefully they'll use it.

Thanks for the breakdown Matty! Kittens play fighting is something I was prepared for, but I've just been surprised by how fast and aggressive they are.. I don't see any fur flying yet but I hear lots of squeals/yowls.. no hissing or growling though...
Unfortunately the discouragement technique of exaggerated noises and louder voice hasn't been effective yet.. I just spent ten minutes trying to get them to stop biting my toes and ended up having to go into the office and close the door.

https://imgur.com/a/lE1ZVMT

apolloooo posted...

this is normal. rivel won't use her cat tree until 2 months it's been sitting in the house.

1st reason could be the smell. you know that "new thing" smell? it just might be unpleasant for cats. just keep playing with them on it, you might try to rub your hands on the scratcher or carpet too so it have your smell. eventually the factory smell will be replaced by your house's and family smell and it might entice the kittens to play on it.

2 is location. where do you put it? i find cat tree is most optimal behind a window where they can peek outside, but also overlook their "main" room, the room they hang out the most where they can watch family activities.

i admit i am less experienced towards this, but as far as i know, as long as furs aren't flying it should be fine. kittens usually learn the boundaries with their moms, if they get too rough, mom will hiss at them, but i think they can learn from littermates too,
https://www.wikihow.pet/Know-if-Cats-Are-Playing-or-Fighting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ftKVvcXY2o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_GQKtA13-w

Thanks for the videos Apoloo, I'll watch them this evening... you bring up a good point about the cat tree, I may need to move it more towards the middle of the room or even the large set of windows. I *did* find that one of them enjoyed chilling on the mid level scoop!

Hexenherz posted...

I'm glad you're finding success, especially with the litter box. That can be an easy or tricky thing to sort out.

Honestly with the coffee table you might have to cut your losses there or get a replacement. It can be tricky to keep cats away from low hanging fruit like that, especially if it's in a space that they like to play in or travel through because they want to try different routes out. If it's a matter of preserving the table and things like foil don't keep them off, might need to move it somewhere else altogether :\

Strings and laser pointers are fine but I still think having some other, larger toys they can engage with themselves and feel and kick and bite will help out a lot. Laser points are good for distracting and getting them to run around but ultimately they are going to want a real thing. They will really love it. I got a brown mouse plushie for like 5 bucks at Petco and Mulder had that from day 1 and he carried it around with him everywhere. We lost it a couple years ago during some house renovation work but I was able to find more of them and he loves these ones almost as much lol. I guess your fear that they feel they are getting play time in reward for biting your feet isn't unfounded but in my somewhat limited experience with a handful of cats, they see it more as "I'm supposed to play with this, not that". I know all cats are different though so maybe they will see it your way >_> It's a risk worth taking imo.

As far as hunting goes that shouldn't be *too* big of a concern for littler cats, unless fur is flying or someone is yowling and the other one isn't stopping. And they are neutered right?

They look so cute in that picture, I am glad you got them!! Keep up the good work!

I appreciate the encouragement Hexen! Definitely getting progress on the litter box, no outside the box pooping since Saturday :)

Now I'm getting more concerned about the biting/lack of obeying redirection.. I know they are only three months but it seems they have been REALLY conditioned to do what they want... Trying to eat is a losing battle as they just keep jumping up on the sofa and trying to stick their nose in the food (despite having plenty of their own food) despite me moving them more than ten times with a stern voice.

https://imgur.com/a/48y01FZ

So updates -
*Haven't had any poop outside the litter box in almost a week! Deepening it seemed to help along with scooping twice a day
*They are using the cat tree a little bit more but I still have to entice them with treats to climb on to it
*Not as much toe biting but could be that I'm not home as much during the work week - the weekend will be a better test (I've been trying everyone's suggestions of replacing with a toy and exaggerated sounds)
*The two things that still worry me are their level of aggression with each other (I've heard some growling and hissing now, but no fur coming loose) and wonder if I should try to break it up when I hear those noises?
*The second is their receptiveness to touch/holding - they'll let me pick them up (for a short time) but aren't keen on being petted. Both will let me pet them a few times on their head and then quickly scamper off to do something else.. I know it's a bit vain but I was really hoping to get them into being lapcats!

@Hexenherz
@mattymad
@apolloooo

Cute!

---

Make a cat wall walker.

It looks like a bookshelf that runs along the wall or stacked bookshelf's.



---

I would say a lot of that aggression should taper off in a while. When we got Mulder he was aggressive as hell and scratching us all night and I didn't sleep for like two months straight. So you just gotta wear them down on your own terms when they start doing stuff like biting and scratching at your feet - get a toy and play with them or go under a blanket and slide your finger around to get them jumping and pouncing and rolling around until they're ready to fall asleep.

imo it's a little strange they're growling and hissing at each other since that's more aggressive than just playing and biting until someone cries uncle. So do be mindful of that and be a little more mindful of how they're interacting with one another, like if one of them is starting to get a little more shy around the other / starts avoiding the other when he notices him.

If you haven't yet I really recommend watching My Cat from Hell. Jackson Galaxy is a character, but he's a cool guy and he goes into some really important information about cat communication and behavior management and stuff. I grew up with cats and still learned a lot from the show.

---

Oh and as far as them trying to get in your food and stuff... easiest way to handle that is to just not fight it; hold them back a little bit so they can't get *all the way* into your food but close enough that they can smell it. Odds are they'll sniff it for half a minute, lose interest and then sit down or leave.

---